EP0942668B1 - Toothbrush with replaceable brush section - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a toothbrush with a handle, a formed as a housing open at least on one side Head, a brush part that can be inserted in its open side with a carrier and bristle trim and with locking means inside the housing and on the carrier for fixing the Brush part, the housing one the carrier in the area the periphery of the cheek and one from the back of the Head formed bottom and further on the head means for the tool-free pushing out of the brush part from the back of the head are provided.

Brushes are known (US 403 350, US 1 148 566, US 1 711 621, US 2 326 632), in which the bristle has Brush part subsequently in the actual brush body is inserted. This often happens from manufacturing technology Reasons and especially if a direct connection of the bristle bundles to the brush body, e.g. by thermal processes, such as welding, Injecting or the like is not possible. There are also Known embodiments in which the brush part from Brush body loosened and exchanged for another can be (GB 1932/1910). For toothbrushes are the well-known Embodiments not or only insufficiently suitable.

Toothbrushes are needed far more often than anyone else Types of brushes. The reason is for one proper dental care frequent use (up to three times a day) and the resulting rapid Wear. Add to that the toothbrush too with relatively little wear, that with others Brushing would be acceptable, should be changed to always ensure optimal effectiveness.

Because of the high toothbrush consumption - in Germany approx. 150 million p.a. - the question increasingly arises disposal and resource conservation, because of the Wear unusable mass fraction compared to the total mass is extremely low and the to be disposed of Total mass even with a hundred percent Recycling no longer processed to the same product can be because the recovered material no longer meets the high quality requirements that for example for the bristle material of a toothbrush are indispensable. Even if the well-known brushes with exchangeable brush part basically allow it would only replace the brush part after wear, so has this environmental problem so far on the one hand not in the foreground, on the other hand it also plays with common brushes, like cleaning brushes, Body brushes etc., a comparatively small one Role, because the period of use is much longer and that Mass ratio of useless and still usable Material is not in such disproportion like toothbrushes.

Finally, there is something special about toothbrushes note that they are made by people of all ages and any level of education can be used as intended need, so that the replacement of the brush part in the simplest Wise and with little effort at the same time Sufficiently secure connection of the parts possible have to be.

There are essentially two systems on the market today. With the so-called interchangeable head brushes (EP 0 199 849 B1, DE 94 20 405 U1) is the entire head with the bristles on Handle or handle releasably attached. The locking fasteners are essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the Handle arranged on this and on a neck of the head and are put together by putting head and handle in Engaged in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Vice versa both parts can be pulled apart in the Loosen longitudinal axis. These interchangeable head brushes are in technical use and hygienically satisfactory. Meanwhile, the plastic part of the head is after Wear of the bristles to waste is still very significant. Added to this is the disadvantage that the fasteners in the transition area between head and stem, i.e. in one Zone in which the greatest bending forces are in use Act. It is precisely in this zone that the toothbrush is used through the constructive measures for the fasteners weakened. So this is particularly serious because between handle and head made of technical use Establish a slim and possibly springy neck what is desired is with such interchangeable head brushes practically cannot be realized. That's why it is Interchangeable head brushes have been proposed in which the Head with the slim neck locked to the thicker handle is. This leaves the technical advantage largely preserved, but this is still at the expense of one larger amount of plastic waste. Added to all Interchangeable head brushes pose the risk of improper use Latching or in the event of failure of the latching serious injuries during use Oral cavity can come.

In the other known system that the toothbrush follows belongs to the preamble of claim 1, the bristles attached to a support in the form of a thin plate and is this brush part in the frame or Interchangeably locked housing-like head (DE 30 38 895, 37 24 640). The carrier has on its peripheral surface strip-like catches and the housing accordingly gutter-like Deepening. The carrier also has its back is a peg that goes into a hole in the ground of the housing and one on the back of the head exposed printing area forms. The carrier is in the Head snapped into place and can be pressed onto the pin be ejected. The one to be replaced when the bristles wear out Plastic mass is reduced to a minimum and the interchangeable brush parts can be inexpensive due to the low use of materials produce. Compared to interchangeable head brushes however, hygienic and constructive problems. By doing between the carrier and the housing cheek inevitably existing gap, which dries out poorly, stores dirt on the one hand and nest on the other Bacteria. This applies more or less to the whole Gap between head and wearer.

It is therefore the carrier on its bristle side too already provided with an all-round elastic edge been (DE 37 24 640 C2), the sealing with its back should rest against the front of the housing cheek. This requires appropriate tensile forces on the wearer pull into the housing, and thus correspondingly large Locking forces. These in turn make it difficult to insert and Eject the brush part. Because the latching through Form locking takes place, the locking means must accordingly be large-volume, which requires large wall thicknesses on the head. One version is even more complex (DE 296 00 398 U1), on all sealing surfaces between the carrier and the housing is fitted with elastic flat seals, which at the same time due to a correspondingly high preload Hold the brush part. The preload must be completely off the housing cheek can be added, which after a short time Time inevitably expands and a secure hold of the Brush part no longer guaranteed.

Other suggestions (DE 91 09 625 U1, DE 44 34 617 A1) that Snap bars only in sections on the circumference of the carrier to provide, necessarily go at the expense of tightness of the gap, since the locking strips and recesses in the Sealing surfaces lie and very narrow tolerances are observed have to be a tired concern of the one hand Sealing surfaces, on the other hand, secure locking guarantee. Such tolerances can be found in injection molded parts and only for the head and the handle cheap plastics in question hardly realize. In addition, the housing cheek stands by the Latching forces constantly under elastic pretension. There Plastics are not creep-resistant under tension (cold flow), takes the tension of the housing cheek very quickly so that the gap between the cheek and the carrier enlarges and the storage of dirt and Bacteria is favored. Because the fatigue of the plastic and the associated enlargement of the Tolerances cannot be perceived by the user, he may notice the failure of the locking means only when brushing your teeth. The brush part comes off at Use, in turn, can lead to unpleasant injuries come in the oral cavity and on the gingiva.

A very stable and permanent connection of the brush part and head results from a known toothbrush (DE 41 04 314 A1) in that on the back of the Bracket molded two V-shaped strips to each other that run the entire length of the beam. These engage in a corresponding V-shape outward opening slot on the head, which in the The longitudinal axis also runs the entire length. At the The strips must be inserted as far inwards and towards each other be deformed so that they have the narrowest cross section of the V-shaped slot can then pass through spread in the slot. The elastically deformed parts the locking connection is therefore on the interchangeable part, where material fatigue is less significant. The necessary for making and releasing the snap connection Forming forces on the strips are however so great that the brush part only with the help of specially adapted Tools can be expressed or levered out. The The need for such special tools not only leads to correspondingly high system costs for the consumer, but stands for a practical implementation of the system insurmountable on the market. this is also valid it is because it is essential to avoid injury Requirement, namely a smooth shape of the brush back, is not fulfilled. After all, this toothbrush is also completely unsuitable for hygienic reasons, because the slit and the strips form several cracks, in which dirt and remnants of dentifrices deposit and nest bacteria.

The latter disadvantage is another known embodiment (US 4,543,679) thereby something mitigated that instead of the strips a spreader is provided, which is conical in an outward direction expanding hole engages at the bottom of the case. Starting from the generic DE-A-3 724 640 is the Invention the task of a toothbrush of the structure mentioned above so that the special hygienic requirements and the Performance characteristics are improved.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by that the abutting surfaces on the cheek of the Housing and on the periphery of the carrier as complete smooth-walled sealing surfaces are formed and the Latching means offset inwards relative to the sealing surfaces, have resilient locking lugs in a room between the bottom of the case and the one facing it Rear of the carrier are arranged.

A major advantage of the invention is initially in that the functions "sealing" and "locking" are structurally separate. The smooth periphery on Carrier and the equally smooth contact surface of the cheek form the prerequisite for a perfect tight These surfaces lie against each other. This can still be done by supports a slightly conical formation of these surfaces become. By designing the locking means as resilient locking lugs outside the sealing surfaces Cheek of the housing not by the locking and holding forces under tension and can not be there Cold flow come, so that they have their sealing function for a long time Time can fulfill. This creates voids, crevices etc. largely avoided that the toothbrush after Use as desired, dry quickly and thereby prevents the nesting of bacteria, like that Attachment or storage of dental care residues etc. is avoided. The resilient locking lugs provide on the one hand, for a reliable locking on the other hand, it is also easier to replace.

Since the locking means are only inside the Housing between the bottom and the back of the The outer contour the toothbrush in the area of the head optimally as intended Adjust purpose, e.g. rounded, ensure smooth contours in order to Dental care to avoid injuries in the oral cavity on the other hand, the resilient locking lugs are in one area arranged in which their dimensioning is not due other constructive conditions is restricted. she can be designed so that their reliability over a long period of use. Further the entire, thin-walled cheek of the housing is Tensions kept clear. The arrangement of the locking means on the one hand and the pressure surface provided for releasing on the other hand make sure that the brush part does not loosen untimely, as it will use the bristles when in use acting pressure does not lead to the release of the catch can, rather a more targeted, if less Pressure on the back of the head is necessary. The easy Interchangeability of the brush part promotes use this system at the consumer, especially the possibility is given brush parts with different bristles Use hardness and arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the resilient locking lugs are on molded on the bottom of the housing projecting inwards and work together with depressions on the back of the carrier are formed.

An advantageous embodiment is characterized by this from that the housing on his the back of the brush head forming bottom has a through opening, the wall of which at least partially faces the resilient locking lugs is extended inwards and that the carrier one has pegs engaging in the through opening, whose end face for expressing the brush part forms an exposed printing area or with a printing area cooperates on the housing.

In this embodiment, the through opening meets with its sleeve-like wall, multiple functions. To the one can guide the pin arranged on the carrier, on the other hand, at least part of its wall is used for Formation of the resilient locking lugs, i.e. for positioning and fixation of the carrier. Finally there is Through opening the possibility on the back of the head Form printing area. It is either from which the Pin penetrating through opening directly, namely formed by its exposed face, or it is at the back of the head as the through opening closing part of the housing is formed, and affects the pressure applied to the printing surface the housing on the pin.

Will the peg on the wall of the through hole led, so he has the recesses on its circumference into which the locking lugs on the housing spring in from the outside.

With its exposed face, the cone forms the Printing area, so it is slightly better than the Contour the case at the back of the head, creating its Function is signaled and the pressure to release the Locking can be applied easily.

The aforementioned embodiment has in addition to the technical use Advantages in that the Toothbrush consists of only two components, namely the Handle with the head forming the housing and the brush part with the carrier and the bristles. The toothbrush can therefore be produced easily and economically.

A somewhat more complex in terms of production technology and use technology but equally advantageous execution is characterized in that the pin in the through opening spaced from the wall and the carrier overlapping the resilient locking lugs on the outside Has depressions.

The through opening is preferably at the back of the Head by a pressure plate forming the printing surface closed, the inside of the face of the pin is present.

This version has the advantage that the head of the toothbrush is completely closed at the back. So there no sealing problems with all their possible disadvantages occur.

In this embodiment, the printing area forming pressure plate made of a rubber-elastic material, e.g. an elastomer and subsequently on the opening edge the through opening used and for example fixed by latching on the wall of the opening or injection molded at the opening using the in-mold process his. The pressure plate is at least so far elastic deformable that when pressure is applied to the pressure plate the distance required to detach the carrier becomes. The pressure is transferred from the printing plate to the Transfer pin so that the carrier in the printing direction is displaced and the latches are released.

Instead, the pressure plate can be a one-piece part of the head and either through an appropriately thin Wall thickness of the head in this area resilient or over a resilient wall section with the rest Housing connected.

Is the cover plate one-piece, but resilient part of the Head, it can also be provided that the locking lugs molded on the side of the pressure plate on the bottom of the housing are and from the one that defines the carrier between them Locked position by pressing on the pressure plate with release of the wearer are spreadable.

The resilience of the detents can be practical any plastic by a certain length of Achieve locking lugs, whereas the housing is dimensionally stable can be. Nevertheless, through thinner wall sections achieve spring properties on the back of the head, around the pressure plate forming part of the housing to move with limited stroke. Let also such flexible wall sections in the area form the approach of the spring lugs on the housing so that when pressure is exerted on the printing plate, it is also displaced causes a spreading of the locking lugs and thereby the Carrier comes out of the latch and fall down can.

The cheeks completely or overlap the outside partially, with a full encroachment on flush Connection of the outer surfaces of the beam and cheek is an advantage is to avoid corners, niches or the like.

Instead, the wearer can also use the front of the cheek fit and lie flush with the outside. Thereby an additional sealing surface is created. This too Embodiment has no niches or steps that the condensation would be beneficial.

In another embodiment it is provided that the Carrier on the side opposite the bristle trim has a peripheral edge with which he cheek overlaps on the outside.

This embodiment has the advantage that the carrier not only in the area of the bristle trim, but also on forms a closed surface on the sides of the head.

These areas come primarily when using the toothbrush in contact with the gingiva, so that through the smooth surface in this area of risk of injury is prevented. In addition, the areas in the Proximity of the bristle attachment because of the applied there Dental care products in particular for dirt deposits tend, as well as allow the nesting of bacteria. Due to the smooth, gap-free and niche-free design of the wearer and his rim overlapping the cheeks these shortcomings are avoided.

Both of the aforementioned embodiments have the advantage that given the outline of the head is the largest possible Number of bristles can be arranged on the carrier can.

The design of the housing according to the invention continues the possibility that the carrier made of an elastomer exists and seals against the cheek. This can still be supported by sealing lips. The invention Training of the housing ensures that the Cheeks clamp the elastomer support frame-like and compress. In addition, in the area of the sealing surfaces increased frictional forces. This makes gaps safely avoided. In addition, the bristles with their Carrier ends resiliently mounted.

Finally, the printing area of the rest of the housing stand out visually through the design of the surface be in this way the function of the user Display printing area. This visual highlighting can through appropriate profiling, different material, Coloring or the like.

The housing can be on the outside at least in the area of Cheek a soft elastic covering as mucous membrane protection exhibit. This can also be the front cover the cheek and with its inner edge the peripheral surface of the wearer fit tightly.

Since the locking means in the inventive design are no longer arranged on the cheek of the housing, but only management and sealing tasks fulfilled, it can compared to the known embodiments be thinner. This allows the reverse Carrier area and thus the number of bristles or bundles enlarge.

Figur 1

eine Teildarstellung einer Zahnbürste in Draufsicht auf den Rücken;

Figur 2

einen Schnitt II-II der Figur 3;

Figur 3

eine Draufsicht auf den Borstenbesatz;

Figur 4

einen Schnitt IV-IV gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 5

einen Längsschnitt durch den Kopf der Zahnbürste in einer anderen Ausführungsform ohne das Bürstenteil;

Figur 6

eine Ansicht auf die Unterseite des Kopfs;

Figur 7

einen der Figur 5 entsprechenden Schnitt einer anderen Ausführungsform;

Figur 8

eine Unteransicht des Bürstenkopfs gemäß Figur 7;

Figur 9

einen Längsschnitt des Bürstenkopfs in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 10

eine Unteransicht des Kopfs gemäß Figur 9;

Figur 11

einen Längsschnitt des Kopfs in einer weiteren Ausführung;

Figur 12

eine Unteransicht des Kopfs gemäß Figur 11;

Figur 13

einen Längsschnitt des Bürstenkopfs in einer abgewandelten Ausführung;

Figur 14

eine Unteransicht des Kopfs gemäß Figur 13 und

Figur 15 bis 22

Querschnitte des Bürstenkopfs entsprechend Figur 4 bei verschiedener Ausführung des Gehäuses und des Trägers des Bürstenteils.

The invention is described below with reference to some exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. The drawing shows:

Figure 1

a partial view of a toothbrush in a top view of the back;

Figure 2

a section II-II of Figure 3;

Figure 3

a plan view of the bristle trim;

Figure 4

a section IV-IV of Figure 3;

Figure 5

a longitudinal section through the head of the toothbrush in another embodiment without the brush part;

Figure 6

a view of the underside of the head;

Figure 7

a section corresponding to Figure 5 of another embodiment;

Figure 8

a bottom view of the brush head according to Figure 7;

Figure 9

a longitudinal section of the brush head in a further embodiment;

Figure 10

a bottom view of the head of Figure 9;

Figure 11

a longitudinal section of the head in a further embodiment;

Figure 12

a bottom view of the head of Figure 11;

Figure 13

a longitudinal section of the brush head in a modified version;

Figure 14

a bottom view of the head according to Figure 13 and

Figure 15 to 22

Cross sections of the brush head according to Figure 4 with different designs of the housing and the carrier of the brush part.

The toothbrush shown in Figures 1 to 3 is made from a broken-off elongated handle 1, a head 2 and a replaceable brush part 3, the a carrier 4 with the bristle 5 from individual Bristle bundles 6 has.

The head 2 of the toothbrush is designed as a housing 7, in which the brush part 3 with its carrier 4 interchangeable is inserted.

In all embodiments, the housing 7 has as lateral limitation of a circumferential cheek 8, which for Handle 1 is closed by a wall 9 (Figure 2 and 4). The peripheral cheek 8 forms with the wall 9 Kind of rigid frame, which together with the back 10 a cavity open at the bottom for receiving the carrier 4 forms.

In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 points the housing also has a through opening 11, the Wall at least partially of protruding into the cavity, resilient locking lugs 12 is formed. The one at the Side of the bristle stock 5 flat carrier 4 consists of a plate-shaped part 13, the outline of which at the Inside of the cheek 8 and the wall 9 formed outline corresponds, and a pin 14 which the through opening 11 passes through and is guided in this. The pin 14 has a back 10 of the housing 7 not outstanding, exposed front side, the one Printing area 15 forms. This printing area can, like figure 1 shows, optically highlighted, possibly also be profiled on the surface.

The resilient locking lugs 12 in the area of the through opening 11 are correspondingly shaped locking recesses 16 on Carrier 4 assigned to the embodiment shown on the circumference of the pin 14 in the area of the transition to the plate-shaped part 13 and opposite to it are staggered inside.

From the position of use shown in Figures 2 and 4 the brush part 3 can be replaced in a simple manner and replace with a new brush part that with your finger on the printing surface 15 in the direction of Bristle pressure is exerted under which the resilient locking lugs 12 retreat to the outside, so that the brush part 3 falls down.

The bristles 6 of the brush part 3 can be varied Be attached to the support 4, e.g. in preformed Holes, using anchors or glue, but they can also welded to the carrier or with thickenings 17th provided to be injected into this.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 the through opening 11 has an asymmetrical oval shape on and is the wall in the cavity of the housing 7 extended to the resilient locking lugs 12, the one form a circumferential ring. The embodiment according to Figure 7 and 8 differs from that of Figure 5 and 6 only in that the through opening 11 and resilient locking lug 12 are circular.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 9 to 14 protrudes the wall of the through opening 11 only partially in the Cavity to form the resilient locking lug 12 into it. So Figures 9 and 10 show a locking lug 12 which in has a substantial U-shape, while in the embodiment 11 and 12 the through opening 11 on the opposite narrow sides two forms resilient locking lugs 12 in the shape of an arc and in FIG. 13 and 14 the wall of the through opening on the long sides extended to the opposite locking lugs 12 is.

Different configurations are shown in FIGS of housing and carrier as well as the locking means shown. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG Carrier 4 in turn a plate-shaped part 13 and one Pin 14 and is, like that forming the head Housing, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. In a modification of this embodiment forms however, the plate-shaped part 13 of the carrier 4 den lower end of the head and forms the cheek 8 its end face 18 an abutment for the top of the plate-shaped part 13 of the carrier 4. Otherwise the carrier 4 closes circumferentially flush with the outside cheek 8 off.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 16, this is plate-shaped Part 13 of the carrier 4 on its top stepped inwards and lies with the step the end face 18 of the cheek 8. At the same time it is plate-shaped Part 13 with the retracted part on the Inside the cheek 8 out. In this embodiment there is a coating 28 on the outside of the cheek sprayed from an elastomer, which protects the mucous membrane serves. The coating 28 can the front of the Cheek 8 protrude and the circumference of the plate-shaped Part 13 fit tightly.

In a modification to FIG. 16, FIG. 17 shows one Carrier 4 with a plate-shaped part 13, which in turn at a step 19 on the inside of the cheek 8 of the head is stored and managed.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 18, the Carrier 4 on its plate-shaped part 13 one after drawn up edge 20, in which the cheek 8 with a corresponding level intervenes on the inside. Another Embodiment shows Figure 19, in which the cheek 8 without outer step behind the raised edge 20 of the carrier 4 takes hold.

In the embodiment according to FIG resilient locking lugs 12 to the outside and is the carrier 4th provided with upstanding lugs 21 which the Form locking recesses 16, the locking lugs 12 on the outside spread. The pin 14 extends through this Embodiment the through hole 11 with a larger Distance from the wall. The through hole 11 is on the upper side by a pressure plate forming the printing surface 15 22 closed at 23 on the wall of the Through opening 11 is engaged or molded. The pressure plate 22 is resilient. The Underside of the pressure plate 22 is the front of the Pin 14 on. When pressure is exerted on the printing surface 22 Pin 14 moved down. In doing so, they displace rigid lugs 21 on the carrier, the resilient locking lugs 12 inwards so that the carrier 4 with the bristle bundles 6 is released.

In the embodiment according to FIG Carrier 4 in turn a plate-shaped part 13 and one shorter than the previous embodiments Pin 24 on the detent recesses on its circumference 16 for the resilient locking lugs 12 forms. The housing 7 has a pressure plate 25 in the middle, which over thin-walled resilient wall sections 26 with the housing connected is. Immediately following the wall sections 26 the resilient locking lugs are formed, which in turn has spring-loaded wall sections 27 are connected to the cheeks 8 of the housing 7. When pressure on the pressure plate 25, the locking lugs 12 are due of the elastic wall sections 26 and 27 to the outside spread (Figure 22) so that the carrier 4 with the bristle bundles 6 comes free and falls down.

In all embodiments, as from the drawings recognizable, the inner side of the Cheek 8 and the peripheral surface of the carrier 13 are smooth and tapered slightly inside, while the locking means 12, 16 are arranged inwardly offset above it are.

Claims (21)

1. Toothbrush with a handle, a head (2) constructed as a housing (7) open on at least one side, a brush section (3) insertable in the open side thereof and having a support (4) and a bristle configuration (5) and with locking means (12, 16) within the housing and on the support (4) for fixing the brush section (3), the housing (7) Having a side piece (8) fixing the support (4) in the area of its periphery and a bottom formed by the back (10) of the head (2) and also means for the tool-free pressing of the brush section (3) away from the back (10) of the head (2), characterized in that the mutually engaging faces on the side piece (8) of the housing (7) and on the periphery of the support (4) are constructed as completely smooth-walled sealing faces and the locking means (12, 16) have with respect to the sealing faces inwardly displaced, resilient detents, which are placed in an area between the bottom of the housing (7) and the back of the support (4) facing the latter.
2. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the resilient detents (12) are shaped in inwardly projecting manner on the bottom of the housing (7) and cooperate with depressions formed on the back of the support (4).
3. Toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bottom of the housing (7) has a through opening (11), whose wall is at least partly inwardly extended towards the resilient detents (12), and that the support (4) has a stud (14) engaging in the through opening (11) and whose front for the pressing out of the brush section (3) forms an exposed pressure face (15) or cooperates with a pressure face (22, 25) on the housing (7).
4. Toothbrush according to claim 3, characterized in that the stud (14) is guided on the wall of the through opening (11) and has on its circumference the depressions (12).
5. Toothbrush according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the exposed front of the stud (14) projects slightly over the contour of the housing (7) at the back (10) of the head (2).
6. Toothbrush according to claim 3, characterized in that the stud (14) is located in the through opening with a spacing from its wall and the support (4) has depressions (16) externally overlapping the resilient detents (12).
7. Toothbrush according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the through opening (11) on the back (10) of the head (2) is closed by a pressure plate (22, 25) forming the pressure face and which internally engages on the front of the stud (14).
8. Toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the pressure plate (25) is connected by means of a resilient wail section (26) to the remaining housing (7).
9. Toothbrush according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the pressure plate (25) has itself a resiliently flexible construction.
10. Toothbrush according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the pressure plate (25) is a one-piece part of the head.
11. Toothbrush according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that the pressure plate (22) is made from an elastic material, preferably an elastomer.
12. Toothbrush according to claim 11, characterized in that the pressure plate (22) is injection moulded together with the head in the in-mould injection moulding process.
13. Toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the pressure plate (22) is constructed as a separate injection moulding and fixed to the head (2).
14. Toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in chat the detents (12) are shaped on the housing (7) laterally alongside the pressure place (22, 25) and are expandable from the locking position securing the support (4) between them by pressure on the pressure plate (25), accompanied by the release of the support (4).
15. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the side pieces (8) of the housing (7) externally wholly or partly overlap the support (4).
16. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the back of the support (4) engages on the front (18) of the side piece (8) and terminates flush with its outside.
17. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterised in that on its back the support (4) has a circumferential edge (20) with which it externally overlaps the side piece (8).
18. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (4) is made from an elastomer sealing against the side piece (8).
19. Toothbrush according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the pressure face (15) is optically set apart from the head (2) by the design of the surface.
20. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that, at least in the area of the side piece (8), the housing (7) is externally provided with a soft elastic covering as a mucosa protection.
21. Toothbrush according to claim 1 and 20, characterized in that the covering covers the front of the side piece (8) and sealingly engages the support (4) there.

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